So I’m really excited to watch Amazon Prime’s new series Daisy Jones and the Six. It’s based on a book by Taylor Jenkins Reid about a 70’s rock bacnd (think Fleetwood Mac) and how they rise to fame only to come crashing down. If you haven’t read it stop what you’re doing right now and go get the book. Buy it here, get it from the library or steal (cough I mean borrow) it from a friend. One of the main character, Daisy Jones, is the epitome of 70’s boho cool. Think peasant tops, cut offs, ethereal maxi dresses, and anything fringe. In honor of the Daisy Jones and the Six release I thought I would be fun to make a fringe leather bag. I think it’s something she would definitely have owned back in the day.
How to Make a Leather Fringe Bag
Supplies
- Leather – I used some suede I had from another project
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- strap
- snap closure
- grommets
- glue
- chalk
- ruler
Making the Bag
Cutting the Body of the Bag
This is a simple bag to make. You only have to cut out one piece that will be folded over to create the body of the bag, and then you need to cut two pieces of fringe for the sides. I have a lot of leather scraps and didn’t need to buy anything new, so I used this piece of dark gray suede. It’s not a big piece it measured 14.5″ x 11″. When its folded over its 5″ x 11″. So yeah its not a big bag, but its not like Daisy needed room for her iPhone 14 so I think it works. I chose to make mine an envelop bag by rounding the top flap, but you don’t have to. It’s personal preference.
Once the bag is cut then you will need to cut the fringe. The fringe will go on the sides of the bag. You can make the fringe any length you want. Mine is 11″. I like how long the it is. It hangs well and swings nicely when you walk, but again it’s up to you how long you want your fringe to be.
Cutting the Fringe
I’ve made a lot of fringe bags in the past. You can see them below. I use to sell them in my Etsy shop. They had a resurgence about 5 or 7 years ago and they were everywhere. They aren’t as popular now but I think you could definitely carry one today and it would be considered fashionable. These are a little different as I used zippers in stead of a snap. If you are looking for some other bag tutorials you can check out my fur fold-over clutch, my bamboo handle clutch tutorial, or my summer tote bag tutorial.
Measure and cut two pieces of leather for your fringe. Mine were 5″ x 11″. Now using a ruler and some chalk make the cut lines on you leather. I make my fringe 1/4″ wide. I think it’s just the right width, but again it’s a personal preference. Once you have marked up your leather using your ruler as a guide cut your fringe with your rotary cutter. You can use scissors, but I think a rotary cutter makes nice clean cuts, Be CAREFUL not to cut all the way through. You want it keep the fringe connected at the top. It makes it easier to attach to the bag. If you do happen to cut all the way through the leather, it’s not the end of the world. Just line the fringe pieces up next to each other along the side of the bag.
Putting it all Together
Now that everything is cut you are going to assemble the bag. You can sew it or you can glue it. I sewed mine, but gluing works great also. If your gluing I recommend using E600 craft glue. Lay the fringe on the inside of the bag and fold up the bottom. Then sew or glue your bag. Once you have attached the fringe you will need to attach the snap. I have a KAM Snap press that I used to attach my snap. However, you can use one of these snap fastener kits. You also don’t have to put a snap on it if you don’t want to. The bag will stay closed with the folder flap.
I measured down 1″ from the top flap for the first snap and then I measured up 1 3/4″ up from the bottom fold for the placement of the 2nd snap. Your measurements will be different if you choose to make your bag a different size.
Now you will need to punch the holes for your snap. I have a leather hole punch. You could also use an awl, or a sharp pair of scissors will do the job.
And there you have it! Now that you know how to make a leather fringe bag go out and treat yourself to a copy of Daisy Jones & The Six, and don’t forget to watch the Amazon Prime premier tonight!
Thanks for reading! Hope you’re having a great weekend!